A combination of poor pitching and injuries led to a dreadful second half (30-46), and there is much work to be done before spring training.

OFFSEASON AGENDA

The primary order of business, obviously, is to find a manager. Because the Blue Jays no longer are in competition with other teams on that front, there is a bit less urgency. But the sooner the better, considering there are holes to fill on the coaching staff as well as the roster.

On the field, the focus will be the rotation, which finished 10th in the American League and 25th in the majors with a 4.82 ERA.

A major part of the problem was the regression of ace Ricky Romero, whose ERA jumped from 2.92 in 2011 to 5.77 in 2012. He led the AL with 105 walks, contributing to an ugly 1.67 WHIP. Romero had an arthroscopic cleanup procedure on his pitching elbow last month, so perhaps that will help him return to form.

Twelve pitchers started a game for Toronto last season, and only Brandon Morrow had an ERA below 4.00. In addition to being ineffective, Blue Jays starters also often were injured. Kyle Drabek and Drew Hutchison likely will miss most or all of the 2013 season after Tommy John surgery, meaning the team must add at least two starters.

Toronto also must settle on a first baseman. Adam Lind's development continues to disappoint, and general manager Alex Anthopoulos publicly has expressed a loss of confidence in him. Edwin Encarnacion, who split his time between DH and first base in his breakout 2012 season, could be Lind's permanent replacement.

Although there won't be changes in center field or catcher, the Blue Jays need more offensive consistency from Colby Rasmus and J.P. Arencibia, respectively, next season.

"He's streaky, that's part of being a young player. Is there room for improvement? That goes without saying," Anthopoulos told the Toronto Sun in reference to Rasmus.

POSSIBLE DEPARTURES

The Blue Jays acquired infielder Mike Aviles from the Red Sox as compensation for Farrell, but then quickly flipped him to Cleveland Indians. Even without Aviles, there is speculation that Toronto will trade shortstop Yunel Escobar.

Second baseman Kelly Johnson also could walk after a poor performance (.225-16-55) in his first full season with the team. Maicer Izturis, a recent signing, could fill in at either short or second.

The team has numerous relievers eligible for free agency, including Jason Frasor (4.12 ERA), Brandon Lyon (3.10 ERA) and Carlos Villanueva (4.16 ERA). But the biggest potential loss would be 42-year-old Darren Oliver, who is pondering retirement after posting a staff-best 2.06 ERA in 2012. Esmil Rogers, acquired for Aviles, will replace one bullpen arm.

One player who definitely is calling it a career: veteran infielder Omar Vizquel.

EARLY 2013 OUTLOOK

A bounce-back season from Romero, the healthy return of Jose Bautista (wrist) and the continued development of Encarnacion would go a long way toward improving the bottom line. But without rotation reinforcements, the Blue Jays will remain near the bottom of the AL East.